scientific name

Canis lupus

size/weight/height

Weight: male 44 - 157 lbs. (average 90 lbs.) • female 40 - 120 lbs. (average 80 lbs.)
Head/Body: 40 - 58"
Shoulder Height: 26 - 32"
Tail: 13 - 20"

adaptations/coloration

Color: usually gray to tawny-buff (but varies - white, red, brown to black)
Coat: long fur • coarse guard hairs • short underfur
Hair: longest in mane
Teeth: hold prey • pick meat off bones • shear meat into small pieces for swallowing

behavior

Hunt: test herds • attack weak, old or sick animals • keep prey healthy, physically & genetically
Pack: 8 - 35 members • male leader ('alpha') - easily recognizable - tail position aloft • dominant female ('alpha') • other adults • usually only dominant pair breeds • strong bonds of affection within pack
Personality: gregarious • very social
Social Order: highly developed
Territory: defined by scent markings & vocalizations

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: wild 8 - 16 yrs. • captivity maximum 20 yrs. (average 15 yrs.)
Mature: 2 yrs.
Mate: 3 yrs. • for life
Mating Season: late winter
Den: female digs earthen den or old log or cave used
Gestation: ~9 wks.
Litter: 2 - 14 (3 - 10 more common) • born blind • leave den ~1 mo. • weaned at 6 - 8 wks. • travel with pack at 3 - 5 mos.

diet

Wild: anything from mice to moose • major food source is caribou

habitat/range

mountains & tundra - Alaska & Canada (previously: forests, tundra, deserts, plains, & mountains - North America, Europe, Asia & Middle East)

status

US Endangered • CITES II